DAVIE POSTPONES ZONING RULING

A controversial proposal to rezone 5.4 acres near the landmark Country Western Store Zone won't be decided for two weeks.

The Davie Town Council postponed any ruling until owner Michael McHugh can talk further with residents in nearby Griffin Park Estates.

McHugh, calling the land the store sits upon "under utilized," said he wants to add stores. But dozens of neighboring residents objected to his request at a recent town Planning and Zoning Board meeting.

They expressed concern that pool halls and convenience stores would be allowed if the zoning was changed. They also are worried about increased traffic on their dead-end street, Southwest 74th Terrace, one of the entrances to McHugh's land.

Since that meeting when the board approved the rezoning, residents have met with McHugh and his attorney.

At those talks, McHugh agreed not to place pawnshops, car dealerships and convenience stores on the property at 7550 Griffin Road. He also agreed to spend up to $4,000 to erect a sign for the neighborhood so customers would know the area is residential.

Resident Colleen Witkop told council members last week more items remain unresolved, such as the placing of a loading dock on the property.

"We weren't under the right impression," she said. "We agreed to all these things thinking that the only entrance to the property was on our street. Looking at these drawings tonight, though, shows some other things we weren't aware of and that's not fair. We want to work with him."

Council members decided to wait until their meeting July 16 to make a decision.

"I compliment both of you, residents and the petitioner, to be willing to sit down and to work out your differences," said council member Monroe Kiar. "That's the way good neighbors should be."